If you haven't noticed already, this guide is a full-throated endorsement of malls, those concrete megacastles that almost became relics of the 1900s but have recently come roaring back, especially in the 305. Local shopping centers are stepping up their game with enhanced culinary offerings and experiential events, and by bringing social media trends to life. For the mall rats in all of us, here, in alphabetical order, are the best shopping centers in Miami.
Aventura Mall
19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura305-935-1110
aventuramall.com
Once you figure out where to park on the gargantuan Aventura Mall grounds, this center is a mall-lovers' paradise. More than 300 tenants comprise a balance of ultra-luxury shopping options like Hermès, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton; fashion-forward favorites like Aritzia, Alo Yoga, Skims, and Zara; and department store anchors including Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. It also offers a Saturday farmers market, an onsite wellness program, and concierge services like wardrobe consultations with celebrity stylist Kimmie Sussman.
Foodies can curb all shopping-induced "hanger" with more than 50 dining options, including restaurants like Serafina and Motek, and the 25,000-square-foot Treats Food Hall, which features fast-casual favorites like Shake Shack, Yip, and Chipotle. Patrons can also grab a viral Dubai chocolate bar on the first floor or one of the popular draft oat lattes from Ralph's (in front of Ralph Lauren). Those who visit the center in June can be among the first to try the popular Italian marketplace Eataly, which will serve handmade pastas, cheeses, and gelatos.
Bal Harbour Shops
9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour305-866-0311
balharbourshops.com
One of the best-known high-fashion destinations in the world, Bal Harbour Shops is still the grand dame of Miami luxury. Opened in 1965, the family-owned center was the first place in the world where both Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue operated in the same venue. Its founder, Stanley Whitman, was also a pioneer in luring designer boutiques to open outside of Paris and New York.
Currently undergoing a $550 million, 400,000-square-foot renovation, Bal Harbour Shops has retained its 60-year-old charm with koi ponds, lush tropical greenery, and a luxurious experience. Window-shopping aside, it's not unusual for visitors to make the trip out here just to enjoy lunch or dinner at local favorite Japanese spot Makoto or the popular Hillstone restaurant. Soon, they'll be able to add the celebrity favorite Parisian restaurant L'Avenue and the resurrected fusion restaurant China Grill (another Miami legend) to that list.
Dadeland Mall
7535 N. Kendall Dr., Miami305-665-6226
simon.com/mall/dadeland-mall
This Kendall institution blends mall nostalgia with a convenient shopping experience. From the comforting bite of a Chick-fil-A sandwich (except on Sundays and Mondays) to a health-conscious smoothie at Pura Vida, Dadeland Mall visitors can experience a balance of old and new Miami while crossing out their shopping lists.
Anchored by department stores Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's, JC Penny, and Dick's House of Sport, the Simon Mall property has something for the big spenders and the budget-conscious alike. Shoppers can also explore favorites like Zara, Lululemon, Aritzia, an Apple store flagship, and luxury brands including Gucci and Golden Goose. New and upcoming additions include Princess Polly, Lola + the Boys, and Alo Yoga, along with family-friendly features like a brand-new play area for the kiddos.
Dolphin Mall is a go-to for great deals on brands like J. Crew, Levi’s, New Balance, and Coach
Photo by Tom Hurst
Dolphin Mall
11401 NW 12th St., Miami305-365-7446
shopdolphinmall.com
Who doesn't love a little outlet shopping? Dolphin Mall is a go-to for great deals on brands like J. Crew, Levi's, New Balance, and Coach; shoppers can also find social media favorites like Miniso.
In the summer of 2023, the complex opened Vivo!, a 62,000–square–foot dining and entertainment area where visitors can enjoy UFC watch parties, live music experiences, nightlife offerings, family-friendly programming, and dining options such as Sergio's Cuban American Kitchen.
The Doral shopping center is also home to Dave & Buster's and a CMX Cinema. For those considering visiting in October, consider checking out No Way Out Miami, the scariest haunted house in town. (No one will judge you if you run for cover into the Cheesecake Factory.)
The Falls
8888 SW 136th St., Miami305-255-4570
simon.com/mall/the-falls
This is one of the sleepier centers on the list, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Parking is abundant here, store traffic is moderate, and there's plenty to do for families looking to entertain their kids for a couple of hours.
This Simon Mall property is conveniently located for Pinecrest, Kendall, and Westchester residents. But it's also worth the drive for those searching for recreation options, with recent additions like Arcade Time for gaming and Life Time, an upscale gym with pickleball courts, kids' programming, and an expansive pool deck. The Falls' Regal Cinema is undergoing an extensive renovation and will soon provide upgraded seating, food, and beverage options. For shopping, the mall has classics covered with stores like Sephora, Coach, Hot Topic, and Lululemon, along with kid favorites like Build-A-Bear and the soon-to-be-opened Slime Factory.
The Miami Design District is an international hub for fashion, art, and dining.
Photo by Oriol Tarridas
Miami Design District
140 NE 39th St., Miami305-722-7100
miamidesigndistrict.com
Once a quiet destination geared toward design professionals, the Miami Design District has emerged as an international hub for fashion, art, and dining. It's less a mall than a full-fledged shopping district, with 170 boutiques ranging from luxury (Hermès, Dior, Gucci) to contemporary (Cult Gaia, Kith, Alice & Olivia).
The neighborhood is also home to cultural anchors like the ICA Miami, culinary hotspots including the Michelin-starred Cote Korean Steakhouse and L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon, and local favorites like Michael's Genuine Food & Drink.
MDD offers a unique complimentary concierge service for interested patrons (regardless of spending level) that provides personal styling, wardrobe consultations, alterations, suitcase packing, and personal gifting assistance. If all this sounds a bit too bougie, the cereal-infused ice cream at Kith Treats is worth a visit.
The Shops at Brickell City Centre is a modern shopping and entertainment mecca.
Brickell City Centre photo
The Shops at Brickell City Centre
701 S. Miami Ave., Miami305-676-9480
brickellcitycentre.com
Opened in late 2016, the Shops at Brickell City Centre is a modern shopping and entertainment mecca. The four-story complex is open and airy and offers enough to keep visitors busy from day to night. Anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, BCC's options are tailored to a variety of tastes and budgets, with brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, H&M, Illesteva, and John Varvatos.
If retail therapy isn't the vibe, visitors can check out first-date favorite Puttshack or book a movie ticket at CMX Brickell and order food and drinks directly to their seats. Dining here is also worth the trip, with local favorites Casa Tua Cucina and Pubbelly Sushi among the diverse and delicious offerings.
The Shops at Merrick Park are designed around Coral Gables' Mediterranean revival style.
Shops at Merrick Park photo
Shops at Merrick Park
358 San Lorenzo Ave., Coral Gables305-529-1215
shopsatmerrickpark.com
Much like the Coral Gables community where it resides, Shops at Merrick Park is elegant and upscale. Anchored by department stores Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom, boutique highlights here include Camilla, Gorjana, and Eberjey.
Dining at Neiman Marcus' Mariposa restaurant is almost a requirement for local ladies who lunch, but the Yard House and Seagrill are also great options for drinks and dinner. Movie buffs can enjoy a luxury theater experience at the Landmark at Merrick Park, and the mall hosts a lively farmers market every Saturday in the courtyard.
